controller - property management

SUMMARY: Bear Real Estate Groupis seeking a senior accounting leader to oversee financial operations for Bear Property Management's expanding portfolio of market-rate residential, affordable (LIHTC), and commercial properties. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in property management accounting, strong technical knowledge of LIHTC and commercial real estate financials, and the ability to scale systems and processes for a rapidly growing organization.

This position directs the month-end close process, oversees cash management, manages internal controls, leads budgeting/forecasting, and ensures compliance with GAAP, LIHTC financial requirements, and commercial leasing structures (CAM/NNN). The Controller partners closely with the VP of Accounting, Asset Management, Property Operations, Construction/Development, external auditors, and lenders to support strategic financial decision-making and portfolio performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the full accounting function for the property management division, including oversight of Property Accountants, Accounts Payable/Receivable, CAM/NNN analysts, and accounting support personnel.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end closes for a large multi-entity portfolio, including preparation and review of financial statements, variance reports, cash flow statements, and KPI packages.
• Develop, enforce, and continually improve accounting policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

Portfolio Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee financial operations for Market Rate, LIHTC, Commercial, Condo/HOA, and 3rd-party managed assets.
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial statements, cash flow analysis, budget-to-actual variance explanations, and capital/operating reserve updates.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition, lease abstraction, tenant ledger integrity, and adherence to lease structures across residential and commercial portfolios.

Commercial (CAM/NNN) Accounting

• Direct and collaborate with Asset Management and Operations on the annual CAM and NNN reconciliation process for the commercial portfolio, including gross-up calculations, base-year adjustments, multi-building cost allocations, and commercial escalation clauses.
• Work closely with the property management, legal, and asset teams to ensure lease compliance and resolve tenant disputes related to financial charges.

Affordable Housing (LIHTC) Accounting

• Oversee all LIHTC-related financial requirements including surplus cash calculations, eligible basis tracking, reserve compliance, and capital